Pittsburgh Steelers running backs LeGarrette Blount and Le’Veon Bell will be charged with marijuana possession after being pulled over by police on Wednesday.
Ross Township traffic officer Sean Stafiej pulled over the Camaro that Bell was driving around 1:30 pm on Wednesday. Stafiej had smelled marijuana coming from the Camaro. He found a 20 gram bag of marijuana in the car, and Blount, Bell and a female passenger claimed ownership of the bag of marijuana, according to the Associated Press. All three were arrested and released. They will receive notice of the charges in the mail. Bell went to the hospital to have blood drawn, and will be charged with driving under the influence of marijuana.The possession and DUI charges are misdemeanors.
"We are aware of the reports and still gathering information," Steelers spokesman Burt Lauten said. "We will have no further comment at this time."
Bell was drafted by the Steelers last year and is entering his second year in the league. Last year he ran for 860 yards, had 45 receptions for 399 yards and eight touchdowns. He broke Franco Harris’ franchise record for yards from scrimmage by a rookie with 1,259 yards. Blount is entering his fifth year in the NFL, playing for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for three years and the New England Patriots last year. He rushed for 772 yards and had seven touchdowns for the Patriots last year, according to ESPN.
The Steelers play the Philadelphia Eagles in a preseason game Thursday night. Blount and Bell could play in that game despite the pending marijuana charges. Rookie Dri Archer, who is third on the depth chart at the running back position, could fill in for Bell or Blount if needed.